1983-Mike Sigel: Won his third title, but claims he won 5. Barry has the records. Sorry Mike, You’re only two away from 5. I will still pay your entrance fee while you’re still young. Hall of Famer

1984-Earl Strickland: First of Five, always the pearl. Can still win! Hall of Famer

1985-Jimmy Reid: Will always be “handsome” with a great attitude. We all hope to see you this year.

1986-David Howard: If you want to have a blast, go to Sawgrass Golf Course, Jacksonville Florida. “I did, I was Lucky and will never forget that day!”

1987-Earl Strickland: Second time just wasn’t enough for the “Pearl”. Hall of Famer

1988-Mike Lebron: 20 Year anniversary this year. Mike’s victorious win defeating Nick Varner twice in the Finals. Oldest player to have ever won, 54 years young.

1989-Nick Varner: Hall of Famer Got pissed off from 1988 and won not once but…

1990-Nick Varner: and again. He is the only player that has ever achieved back to back titles. He always says he should have won it three years in a row. Hall of Famer.

1991-Buddy Hall: First year ESPN, Best finals match ever. 9-8 against Dennis Hatch. Hatch Broke, Hill-Hill, Did not make a ball. The rest is history, Buddy Ran Out. Hall of Famer

1992-Tommy Kennedy: Praise the Lord! Besides playing great pool that week, the lord was on his sideJ Dreams do come true, Kennedy (9) – Archer (1). Yay.

1993-Earl Strickland: Third time was a charm, like a Timex watch, he kept on ticking. Hall of Famer

1994-Efren Reyes: First Foreign Player to have ever won. Rightfully so and maybe the greatest all-a-around player to have played the game. Hall of Famer

1995-Reed Pierce: Played awesome all week and defeated Efren in the finals 9-6. At the time was known primarily as a Bar Table Player and a Fierce Competitor.

1996-Rodney Morris: Won the Grand Prix in Puerto Rico the week before and then Defeated Reyes in the Finals at the Open 11-6

1997-Earl Strickland: Won the U.S. Open at 4 Venues over the years. First year at the New Chesapeake Conference Center. Defeated the Late Great Tony Ellin in the finals 11-8 Hall of Famer

1998-Buddy Hall: At age 53 defeated Tang Hoa 11-5 to capture his second title. Hall of Famer

1999-Johnny Archer: Finally his dream came true. Said, “He would give up all of his titles to be U.S.Open Champion”. Defeated Jeremy Jones 11-7. Very emotional win.

2000-Earl Strickland: 25th Anniversary Champion, Defeated his opponent from Japan for his 5th Title (The Most ever). This record may never be broken unless Earl does it again. Hall of Famer

2001-Corey Deuel: Defeated Mika Immonen and claimed his title as U.S.Open Champion for USA during the horrific week for our country 9/11.

2002-Ralf Souquet: Second foreign player to have won. Defeated Alex Pagulayan 13-11. First televised LIVE U.S.Open Finals. A True Champion, Gentleman of the game. Hail Germany

2003-Jeremy Jones: Double “J” avenged his lost in 1999 to defeat Jose Parica 11-4 in the finals.

2004-Gabe Owen: Year before, watched his Best Friend “Double J” win and went on to win Defeating Thorsten Hohmann 11-3

2005-Alex Pagulayan: Avenged his loss to Ralf Souquet in 2002 and won his first U.S.Open title against Jose Parica 11-6.

2006-John Schmidt: Mr. 400 Played great 9-Ball all week and Defeated Rudolfo Luat in the finals 11-6

2007-Shane Van Boening: Current World Champion, Ronnie Alcano trying to Become U.S.Open Champion in the same year came up short losing to Shane 13-10. Can Shane do what’s only been done once before and defend his title? That’s the big question this year. Good Luck Shane.

-- Maraming Salamat Po! --

About Me

aka The Champ. A Filipino! Born on the 24th of July. Plays the piano, guitar, and the clarinet. Collects books and stamps. Very much into billiards, fishing and photography. A Financial Analyst, Business Analyst, and Information Scientist. A pool player. A Student of Life - Seeking Alpha certified. And I kid you not!